Target suspension apparatus for firearms

ABSTRACT

An improved target and suspension for extending target life and stability. Aspects of the present invention provide an attachment point behind the target where the attachment point is protected from bullet strikes. In other aspects of the invention, the target suspension apparatus orients a suspended target at an angle such that a projectile striking the target is at least partially deflected towards the ground and so that the target does not absorb the full force of the projectile when hitting the target. The target suspension is also adapted to retain targets of varying thicknesses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to targets, and more particularly to targets for firearms.

Existing target hangers do not secure the targets from falling off of the hangers when they are shot by a projectile from a firearm. Likewise, hangers do not hang the targets downward in angled relation with the ground, which does not provide for lead deflection and a decrease in target life.

With conventional target hangers, the targets are not locked onto the hanging hooks and frequently fall off during use. Their hook forward design mandates they are made from a thin material that must pass through the small target mounting holes. This thin material does not hold up well to bullet strikes.

As can be seen, there is a need for an improved target and suspension for improving target life and stability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a target suspension apparatus is disclosed. The target suspension apparatus incudes a support arm having a top end, a bottom end, a front edge, and an aft edge. A mounting pin protrudes rearwardly from the aft edge at an upwardly inclined angle. The mounting pin is dimensioned to be received in an aperture of a target. A cam finger extends from the aft edge and extends beyond an aft extent of the mounting pin. A cam is adjustably attached to the cam finger. The cam has a plurality of faces disposed at a predetermined radial distance from a cam attachment to the cam finger such that a selected one of the plurality of faces urges the target against the support arm to orient the target at a declined angle.

In some embodiments, an aperture is defined through the top end of the support arm. The aperture is dimensioned to be received on a frame element to carry the target suspension apparatus. The aperture may be disposed transversely across the support arm. Preferably, the aperture is rearwardly offset from a vertical centerline of the support arm.

In some embodiments, the mounting pin is rearwardly offset from a vertical centerline of the support arm.

In some embodiments, a sizing notch defined in one or more of the plurality of faces. The sizing notch has a width corresponding to a thickness of a selected target.

In other aspects of the invention, a target suspension apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support arm having a front end, a back end, a top edge, and a bottom edge. A mounting pin protrudes downwardly from a bottom edge and rearwardly from the front end. A rearward facing edge of the support arm, adjacent to the mounting pin, is inclined relative to a vertical axis of the support arm. The mounting pin is dimensioned to be received in an aperture of a target. A cam finger extends from the bottom edge and extends beyond an aft extent of the mounting pin. A cam is adjustably attached to the cam finger. The cam has a plurality of faces disposed at a predetermined radial distance from a cam attachment to the cam finger, such that a selected one of the plurality of faces urges the target against the rearward facing edge to orient the target at a declined angle, when mounted to the support arm.

In some embodiments, a mounting notch is provided at a back end of the support arm. The mounting notch is dimensioned to be received on a top end of a T-shaped post. A retaining plate is attached on each side of the support arm at the mounting notch. A slot is defined in the retaining plate and dimensioned to correspond with a thickness of a top leg of the T-shaped post.

In some embodiments, a sizing notch is defined in one or more of the plurality of faces, the sizing notch having a width corresponding to a thickness of a selected target.

In yet other embodiments, the mounting pin is oriented upwardly from a longitudinal centerline of the support arm.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: is a perspective view of the target suspension apparatus in use.

FIG. 2: is a perspective view of the target suspension apparatus shown without targets.

FIG. 3: is an exploded perspective view of the target suspension apparatus shown with three different targets.

FIG. 4A-4C: are side elevation views showing three target types.

FIG. 5A-5C: are front elevation views showing three target types.

FIG. 6: is a diagrammatic side elevation view showing the effect of the suspension angle of the target suspension apparatus.

FIG. 7: is a detail elevation view of a retaining block.

FIG. 8: is a perspective view of a target with a thickness corresponding to a notch in the block.

FIG. 9: is a front perspective view of the second embodiment of the target suspension apparatus showing a fencepost mount.

FIG. 10: is a rear exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the target suspension apparatus.

FIG. 11: is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the target suspension apparatus.

FIG. 12: is a perspective view of the target suspension apparatus shown without targets.

FIG. 13: is an exploded perspective view of the third embodiment of the target suspension apparatus shown with three different targets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide an improved target and suspension for improving target life and stability. Aspects of the present invention provide an attachment point behind the targets where the attachment point is protected from bullet strikes. In other aspects of the invention, the target suspension apparatus orients a suspended target at an angle such that a projectile striking the target is at least partially deflected towards the ground and so that the target does not absorb the full force of the projectile when hitting the target. The target suspension is also adapted to retain targets of varying thicknesses.

As seen in reference to the drawings of FIGS. 1-13, a target suspension 10 apparatus 10 is shown. The target suspension apparatus 10 may include a frame 11 having a support rod 11 a that is adapted carry one or more suspension arms 12 that are disposed in a vertical orientation. Each suspension arm 12 has a retaining cam 14 that is configured to retain a target 12, 20, 22 on the suspension arm 12.

The suspension arm 12 include a plate formed of a suitable material to withstand impact of a projectile, preferably AR500 steel. The suspension arm 12 has an aperture 12 a disposed transversely at an upper end of the support arm 12 rearwardly offset from a vertical centerline of the suspension arm 12. A mounting pin 12 b is disposed at a bottom end of the support arm 12 rearwardly offset from the vertical centerline of the support arm 12 with an incline angle relative to the vertical centerline of the support arm 12. The rearward offset of each of the aperture 12 a and the mounting pin 12 b, along with the incline angle of the mounting pin 12 b permit the one or more targets 12, 20, 22 to be oriented at a declined angle B relative a line of fire L. The declined angle B fosters a downward deflection in the trajectory of the projectile after striking the one or more targets 12, 20, 22 to reduce an errant ricochet of the projectile off the one or more targets 12, 20, 22. The declined angle B also limits the impact forces of the projectile when it strikes the target 18, 20, 22 so as to extend the lifespan of the target 18, 20, 22.

The mounting pin 12 b is dimensioned to receive a mounting aperture 18 a, 20 a, 22 a, of the one or more targets 18, 20, 22. The mounting pin 12 b extends from an inclined edge of the support arm 12 adjacent to the mounting pin 12 b. A cam finger 12 c protrudes rearwardly from the support arm 12. The cam finger 12 c is configured to adjustably carry a retaining cam 14 secured to the cam finger 12 c via a cooperating fastener 16, such as a nut 16 a and a bolt 16. The retaining cam 14 has a plurality of faces 14 a and a sizing notch 14 b defined in each of the plurality of faces. The retaining cam has a center bore 14 c that receives the cooperating fastener 16 to secure the retaining cam to the cam finger 12 c.

The plurality of faces 14 a are disposed at a radial distance from the center bore 14 c to accommodate targets 18, 20, 22 of varying thicknesses. The plurality of faces 14 a urge the target 18, 20, 22 against the suspension arm 12 when the target 18, 20, 22 is suspended on the mounting pin 12 b. The urging of the face 14 a against the target 18, 20, 22 fixes the target 18, 20, 22 to the suspension arm 12 with a rearward sweep to facilitate maintaining the target 18, 20, 22 at the desired declined angle B. The retaining cam 14 and fasteners 16 are protected behind the target 18, 20, 22 and the retaining pin 12 b, and target aperture 18 a, 20 b, and 22 b are protected behind the suspension arm 12. The retaining cam 14 includes a first and a second retaining cam 14 disposed on opposed sides of the support arm 12 so that the target 18, 20, 22 is urged against the support arm 12 from both sides thereof to maintain alignment of the target 18, 20, 22 with the support arm 12.

The sizing notch 14 b has a width T₁ corresponding to a thickness T₂ of the target 18, 20, 22 to be mounted with the target suspension arm 10. The sizing notch 14 b facilitates selection of in the corresponding face 14 a for retaining the selected target thickness T₂ by so that the corresponding face 14 a urges the target against the support arm 12.

In the embodiment shown in reference to FIGS. 9-11, suspension arm 24 is configured for with a horizontal arrangement and is adapted to be mounted to a vertical post, and with adaptation, as a steel post typically used to suspend barbed wire. A support arm 24 a has a mounting pin 24 c, cam 14, and cooperating fastener 16 that operate as previously described to retain the target 18, 20, 22 at a declined angel B relative to a line of fire L of the projectile.

In this embodiment, the suspension arm 24 includes a mounting notch 24 d that is dimensioned to be received on an end of a post 26. In the event the post 26 is a T-post, such as those used for barbed wire, and wire fence installations, a retaining plate 24 b is attached to either side of the suspension arm 24 via cooperating fasteners 16, 16 a. The retaining plates 24 b have a slot 24 e dimensioned to correspond with a thickness of the top leg of the T-post 26. The retaining plates 26 are separated by a gap corresponding to a thickness of the base leg of the T-post 26.

When the retaining plates 24 b are secured to the support arm 24 a, the suspension arm 24 may be mounted to the T-post 26 by sliding the top leg into the slot 24 e and the base leg of the T-post 26 into the gap. The target 18, 20, 22 may then be mounted to the suspension arm 24.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A target suspension apparatus, comprising: a support arm having a top end, a bottom end, a front edge, and an aft edge; a mounting pin protrudes rearwardly from the aft edge at an upwardly inclined angle, the mounting pin is dimensioned to be received in an aperture of a target; a cam finger extends from the aft edge and extends beyond an aft extent of the mounting pin; and a cam is adjustably attached to the cam finger, the cam has a plurality of faces disposed at a predetermined radial distance from a cam attachment to the cam finger such that a selected one of the plurality of faces urges the target against the support arm to orient the target at a declined angle.
 2. The target suspension apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an aperture defined through the top end of the support arm, the aperture dimensioned to be received on a frame element to carry the target suspension apparatus.
 3. The target suspension apparatus of claim 2, wherein the aperture is disposed transversely across the support arm.
 4. The target suspension apparatus of claim 3, wherein the aperture is rearwardly offset from a vertical centerline of the support arm.
 5. The target suspension apparatus of claim 4, further wherein the mounting pin is rearwardly offset from a vertical centerline of the support arm.
 6. The target suspension apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a sizing notch defined in one or more of the plurality of faces, the sizing notch having a width corresponding to a thickness of a selected target.
 7. A target suspension apparatus, comprising: a support arm having a front end, a back end, a top edge, and a bottom edge; a mounting pin protrudes downwardly from a bottom edge and rearwardly from the front end, a rearward facing edge of the support arm adjacent to the mounting pin is inclined relative to a vertical axis of the support arm, the mounting pin is dimensioned to be received in an aperture of a target; a cam finger extends from the bottom edge and extends beyond an aft extent of the mounting pin; and a cam is adjustably attached to the cam finger, a plurality of faces disposed at a predetermined radial distance from a cam attachment to the cam finger, such that a selected one of the plurality of faces urges the target against the rearward facing edge to orient the target at a declined angle, when mounted to the support arm.
 8. The target suspension apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a mounting notch at a back end of the support arm, the mounting notch dimensioned to be received on a to end of a T-shaped post; a retaining plate attached on each side of the support arm at the mounting notch; and a slot defined in the retaining plate dimensioned to correspond with a thickness of a top leg of the T-shaped post.
 9. The target suspension apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: a sizing notch defined in one or more of the plurality of faces, the sizing notch having a width corresponding to a thickness of a selected target.
 10. The target suspension apparatus of claim 8, wherein the mounting pin is oriented upwardly from a longitudinal centerline of the support arm. 